PHYS 2 Chapter Notes - Chapter 20.1 - 20.4: Heat Engine, Thermodynamic Cycle, Heat Pump
Document Summary
Irreversible processes = thermodynamic processes that occur in nature and proceed spontaneously in one direction but not the other. Second law of thermodynamics determines the preferred direction of irreversible processes. Reversible process = an idealized process that is very close to being in thermodynamic equilibrium with itself and its surroundings. Can never be precisely attained in the real world. Equilibrium process = a process in thermodynamic equilibrium. Conversion of mechanical energy into heat involves an increase in randomness/disorder. Hot reservoir = one of the two bodies with which the working substance of the engine can interact. Heat engine = a device that transforms heat partly into work or mechanical energy. Working substance = the quantity of matter inside the heat engine that undergoes inflow/outflow of heat, expansion/compression, or change of phase. Cyclic process = a sequence of processes that eventually leaves the substance in the same state in which it started.
